FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

AVAILABILITY: Custom designed AbleNooks are available NOW. Write to us and let us know what you'd like, and we will prepare an estimate specific to your needs. As an architecture office with over 100 years of combined experience, we can offer turn-key solutions for additional peripheral structures; from cottages to entire resorts.

COST: Costs can vary greatly depending on options and interior/exterior finishes. Please contact us to let us know what you'd like.

ARCHITECTURAL: AbleNook 1x is a 64ft², (160ft² total surface) living module. Based on the design of the bungalow Archetype. AbleNook utilizes natural ventilation techniques to maximize passive cooling, strategic use of daylighting for interior, and flexibility of use. Every component of AbleNook has been designed for complete simplicity of assembly, expandability, and flexibility of use!

CONSTRUCTION: A flat packed, site assembled kit that consists of an lightweight aluminum structural framing that slide/snap together with SIPs (structural insulated panels) for floors, walls and ceiling. AbleNook can be deployed on uneven terrain through the use of adjustable leg jacks cutting out the costs of poured foundations or any ground leveling. AbleNook's proprietary technology and simplicity of connections make assembly a task that any "Able-Bodied" person can accomplish.

INNOVATION: Researchers Sean Verdecia and Jason Ross at the University of South Florida have developed a technology that relates to a prefabricated living module that snaps together and is easily assembled and transported.

In disaster areas or in situations where more space is needed, shelters, such as trailers, are often expensive, deployed slowly, and require technical knowledge in order to be assembled. Furthermore, they often need large clearings with flat terrain and come in “one size fits all” packages. What is needed is a prefabricated living module that snaps together and is easily assembled, transported, and adaptable to diverse terrain.

Our researchers have invented a rapidly deployable portable structure, comprised of interlocking components which can be assembled by unskilled laborers in a short period of time. These components are shipped flat-packed in order to maximize the number of families which are helped, while reducing transportation costs.

The main structural members of the module are “universal.” This means that the floor joists are the same as the wall columns. The structural members can be made from extruded aluminum parts, with electrical bus duct conduits in each one, so that the wiring is simply connected as you clip together the parts, providing outlets wherever needed inside. Weather seals are included between the structural members.

ADVANTAGES

+ Units are shipped flat packed+ More units can be delivered per truck load to disaster areas+ Can be deployed on wildly uneven terrain+ Units can be assembled by unskilled individuals in minutes, without tools+ Integrated electrical = Plug-in anywhere+ Can be expanded for larger space requirements with ease in minutes+ Thermally insulated+ Units can be used for residential, military, home office, and school portable applications+ Thermodynamically based upon bungalow typology = passive cooling effect+ Can be re-used = long term savings

ELECTRICAL: AbleNook can be customized to arrive on site with pre-wired/pre-mounted electrical outlets and data so that upon assembly the AbleNook system will be live and ready for use (Pre-wired Electrical design can be customized to accommodate any AbleNook application).Mechanical: AbleNook can be customized to include a fully integrated Mechanical system. All mechanical equipment is designed to be stored on AbleNook's (built in) concealed utility deck for ease of access. (Mechanical Design varies according to regional requirements and application of use).

PLUMBING: AbleNook can be customized to include a fully integrated Plumbing system. All plumbing systems are stored and run through AbleNook's (built in) concealed utility deck for ease of access. (Plumbing Design varies according to regional requirement and application of use).Construction Type Classification: Pending

HIGH PERFORMANCE ADD-ONS: Photo-voltaic Panel System (Contact AbleNook for further information)Rainwater Collection System (Contact AbleNook for further information)High Efficiency Fixtures/Equipment (Contact AbleNook for further information)

ASSEMBLY: AbleNook will arrive flat packed on our delivery trucks. Purchasers can elect to self-assemble the AbleNook, or to have AbleNook site representatives come on site and install. (Contact AbleNook for further information)*Permitting assistance available upon request (Contact AbleNook for further information)